Newport Beach's Wild
Goose is John Wayne's former yacht, now owned and operated by Hornblower Cruises & Events, which offers dinner cruises and boat
tours of the historic vessel.
If you don't have the time or interest to book a
Hornblower Cruise lunch buffet or dinner in
the Newport Bay, you can still climb aboard the historic vessel, the
Wild Goose, which was owned by the late, great John Wayne. He was
one of Newport Beach's esteemed residents, and fondly remembered in
displays throughout the yacht that is used weekly to take guests on
luncheon or dinner cruise events.
Opening its doors recently to guided tours, the boat
now is open for those who want to enjoy the experience of an
historic boat, minus the $50 - up cost of eating a meal.
Exclusive narrated dockside tours in Newport Beach take viewers into
the boat’s storied past. The Wild Goose first sailed in 1943, as the
United States Navy Minesweeper YMS 328. Of the 481 minesweepers
manufactured, only 4 – including the Wild Goose – remain today.
After World War II, Canadian owners purchased the vessel and dubbed
her La Beverie (The Beautiful Dream); Seattle lumber tycoon Max
Wyman later acquired the boat and renamed her The Wild Goose II.
When John Wayne bought the minesweeper a decade later, he dropped
the “II” from the title and set about creating a private retreat for
family and friends.
Cost for the excursion is $25 per person and available Monday
through Friday. Reservations are needed to book these tours and a 10
group minimum is required. Additional rates and times will apply for
groups of 30 or more. For larger groups looking for a unique event
venue, the Wild Goose is available to accommodate up to 150 guests
and Hornblower’s event specialists can customize a program to fit
your event needs.
For those seeking the weekly dinner cruise or Sunday
buffet, we've tried them, and loved the fun. You can buy tickets or
make reservations for the dinner cruises. Personally, we prefer the
Sunday daytime cruise, and it's cheaper!
To make reservations for the historic Wild Goose Tour, call
949-646-0155
Newport Beach hotels are somewhat affordable...ranging
to luxury and the greatest deal is that Disneyland is so close, you
can hear the fireworks at night from most Newport Beach hotels.
So live it up on your next vacation and take the kids to a place
they deserve...Newport Beach --The OC.
